WASHINGTON — The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) have reached a tentative five-year contract agreement that aims to improve working conditions for educators while addressing long-standing issues related to recruitment and retention. This agreement comes after more than a year of negotiations and is set to be voted on by union members in the coming weeks.
WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons highlighted the significance of the contract, emphasizing that while the agreement includes fair pay raises, the improvements in working conditions are equally important.
"Educators will be able to work under better conditions that should help address the recruitment and retention challenges DCPS has faced," Pogue Lyons said.
Some of the key provisions of the agreement include:
- Fair and competitive pay raises
- More structured breaks to prevent burnout for both teachers and students
- Increased time for lesson planning and preparation
- A focus on ensuring fair workloads for educators
Pogue Lyons added that the bargaining team was focused on securing provisions that respect the needs of teachers, despite the district's tight financial situation. AFT President Randi Weingarten applauded the union's efforts, calling the tentative agreement a "real accomplishment" for educators who have been waiting for a fair contract.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee also released a joint statement expressing their appreciation for the hard work of D.C.’s 5,000 educators. They emphasized that the agreement reinforces the District's commitment to making the city the best place for teachers, with a focus on putting students first and investing in education.
The WTU will now present the details of the tentative agreement to its members, with a vote expected in the coming weeks. Once ratified, the contract will be sent to the Council of the District of Columbia for final approval.